By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

VINCENT – The EBSCO Industries Inc. plant in Vincent recently received an upgrade in the form of a new Widmann RB 45 U Ultrasonic Sealing Machine. As a result, Vice President and General Manager Barry Franklin and Plant Manager Josh Brasher presented a nearly $48,000 check for the county’s use tax to the Town of Vincent during the town council meeting Sept. 6.

The $1.2 million machine is the “biggest investment we’ve ever made in Vincent,” Franklin said.

“When I started in the 70s, we could produce four binders a minute,” he said. “Now we can produce 46 binders a minute.

“This is how to keep work out of China, be efficient and find better ways to do it,” Franklin added. “It’s not a donation, just use tax, so it’s not designated by us how the money is spent.”

Franklin and Brasher presented a check to Vincent Mayor Ray McAllister for $47,937.34.

“We’re very pleased to be associated with EBSCO and to work with EBSCO. We look for big things in the future,” McAllister said.

In other actions from the meeting, the council:

-Announced two new Vincent businesses, Mr. Skipper Vincent Discounts clothing store and J & J Beauty Supply.

-Approved the purchase of a used Tahoe from the Hoover Police Department to replace Vincent’s Explorer. The purchase cost the town $10,000, and the Tahoe was “fully equipped” with everything necessary except a radio.